Ethiopia Appoints New Industrial Parks Corporation CEO, Two Deputy Chiefs

October 24, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Fitsum Ketema as chief executive of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), alongside two deputy executives, in a leadership reshuffle at the state-owned body responsible for managing the country’s industrial parks and special economic zones.

Jalene Hassan was appointed deputy chief executive for Park Administration and Operations, while Amelework Birhane was named deputy chief executive for Investment Promotion and Marketing.

Fitsum has worked at the corporation for more than 10 years, holding several management positions, including manager of the Hawassa Special Economic Zone, head of the chief executive’s office and deputy chief executive for Park Administration and Operations.

During his tenure, he worked under five successive chief executives and gained experience in the corporation’s institutional development and operational changes.

Jalene has served at the corporation for four years, holding positions including head of human resources management, head of the chief executive’s office and, most recently, deputy chief executive for Investment Promotion and Marketing.

The appointments come as the corporation implements a five-year strategic plan launched in the previous fiscal year. The plan is intended to guide its next phase of development, although the announcement did not specify new targets or changes to its investment and industrialisation priorities.

The IPDC manages 14 special economic zones and industrial parks across Ethiopia. Its responsibilities include supporting industrial development and attracting investment through infrastructure and facilities designed for manufacturing and other business activities.

Source: FSX Business News